A Small Group of Five Couples Makes a
Lasting Impression
Noel and Cherie Coleman became Community of
Care volunteers after North Point Community Church launched their
foster care ministry, Fostering Together in August 2010. Their
willingness to step up and serve seemed like an obvious decision
once the appeal was made. "We have a heart for kids and love kids,"
said Noel. "Fostering Together allows us to be hands on in
ministering to children from the youngest of age to teenagers."
The Colemans attended orientation and
signed-up with their small group of four other
couples to become Community of Care volunteers. Cherie expressed
that at the time they had no set expectations walking into foster
care ministry as they had never volunteered for anything like this
before.
In late December 2010, Noel received an email
that a North Point family recently received placement of a baby
girl. He was able to reach out to the family and compile a list of
needs for the infant. "We took the bull by the horns and quickly
divided up the list," said Cherie. Noel added that at the time, he
was not sure how much their small group would be able to
do. By the next afternoon these five couples were able to
accommodate the entire list, even pulling from
various items their own children had outgrown. With a car
full, the Colemans met David and Lisa Hickenbottom the next
evening. They also learned about the family's dietary needs as
the family had recently begun the Daniel Fast, and made
preparations to provide meals for the following days. The
Hickenbottoms were overwhelmed with joy and
amazement from the generosity and support shown
by these families.
The Colemans were most surprised at how
underdeveloped the baby girl was and the additional attention she
would require. Noel expressed how rewarding this opportunity had
been, "Being a small part in getting to love on a little girl who
had real needs and be able to share that love with her, as well
as coming alongside a family who has opened up their home and
their lives to taking a child like that has been incredible," said
Noel. "Everything worked out perfectly," Cherie added. "When we
all get involved and do our part, this is exactly how the
design of this ministry works."
Now that the Colemans have served as
volunteers in foster care ministry, they confess their expectations
have evolved. They have taken on
additional responsibility in the leadership role
of Resource Coordinator with North Point's Community of Care.
Noel offers the following advice to those considering volunteering
in this ministry, "Just do it! Think of the family as your
own family, because they are. This kind of
practical love is our obligation as followers of Christ and
is an opportunity to live out our faith."